CFC-O kicks off at Incirlik AB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The opportunity for military members and federal civilians to give to a charity through the Combined Federal Campaign Overseas began Sept. 16 and continues through Nov. 15.

This year's Kick-off event will be a 5k Glow Run.

"We are really excited about the run because not only will it increase awareness of this important campaign, but it will also be a blast," said Master Sgt. Gloria Wilson, CFC Incirlik community area project officer. "I have friends who are already talking about the glow items they'll wear for the night run. I encourage people to help spread the word and join us for a fun event and great cause."

CFC-O is the annual workplace donation campaign for the five overseas unified combatant commands. Incirlik AB's goal for this year is $100,000.

"CFC was set up in the 1960's by President Kennedy as the only time charitable organizations can solicit donations from federal employees," said Capt. Jason Schoener, CFC Incirlik community area project officer. "CFC-O is 100 percent voluntary, and the charities understand that we as military already have given the greatest selfless gift of ourselves to protect and defend our country."

Military members serving overseas often have the unique opportunity to see firsthand the hardships people face around the world to include: limited access to clean drinking water, malnutrition and lack of educational opportunities. The CFC-O is one way Airmen can make a difference abroad or in the U.S.

Contributors can choose from more than 2,600 charities to find and support causes that have personal significance. Donators also have the option to give to the overseas military community through the Family Support and Youth Program fund. FSYP donations are returned to overseas military installations to support quality of life programs for uniformed service members, federal civilians and their families.

"Last year we raised $8,384 for Incirlik youth sports programs. Our children on base depend on CFC-O funding to maintain equipment and facilities," Schoener said. "Over $109,513 was donated to over 1,000 charities last year - a record amount from Incirlik AB."

The CFC-O raised more than $13.6 million in 2012 from the five unified combatant commands, demonstrating the generosity of overseas Department of Defense uniformed and civilian personnel.

Details for the Kick-off event are as follows:
- Children's run begins at 7 p.m.
- 5k run begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Pre-registration will be Sept. 23 to 27 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- $10 donation for adults to receive four glows sticks when pre-registered.
- $5 donation for children to receive two glow sticks when pre-registered.

Even if people do not attend the kick-off event there are still several ways to contribute.

Contributors can donate by visiting www.cfcoverseas.org to complete a paperless contribution via credit card, debit card or e-check. Donations may also be made via payroll allotment, cash or check on a paper pledge card provided by their unit's CFC-O representative.

Another option to donate is through mypay.dfas.mil. Log into your account and click on the 'Combined Federal Campaign' link located under Pay Changes and entering the CFC code 0995.

For more information on CFC-O people can contact their unit representative.